Badrinath Temple Darshan 2026: Date, VIP Booking ₹4,700, Aarti Timings & Online Registration

Perched at an altitude of 3,300 meters (11,268 feet) on the banks of the Alaknanda River in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district, the Badrinath Temple stands as one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in Hinduism . Dedicated to Lord Vishnu in his form as Badrinarayan, this ancient shrine is the most important among the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites and holds a special place in the hearts of millions of devotees worldwide .

According to legend, the temple was established by the great sage Adi Shankaracharya in the 8th century, who discovered a self-manifested (Swayambhu) black stone idol of Lord Vishnu in the Alaknanda River and installed it in the temple . The temple’s architecture, with its colorful facade and stone carvings, reflects a unique blend of traditional Hindu and Buddhist influences, standing as a testament to the region’s rich spiritual heritage.

Surrounded by the majestic Nar and Narayan mountain peaks, the temple is open only for six months each year due to extreme winter conditions. The rest of the year, the deity is moved to the Narasimha Temple in Joshimath, where worship continues during the winter months .

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Badrinath Temple Overview Table

Badrinath Temple Darshan Timings 2026

The temple follows a consistent daily schedule during the pilgrimage season. Based on official sources, here are the complete darshan timings for 2026:

Best Time for Darshan:

• Early Morning (7:00 AM – 8:00 AM): The calmest time for general darshan with shorter queues
• Evening Aarti (around 6:00 PM): A spiritually uplifting experience with lamps and chants
• Weekdays: Significantly less crowded than weekends during peak season

Important Note: During peak months (May-June and September-October), general queues can stretch 2-5 hours. Early morning slots before 8:00 AM are recommended for a more peaceful experience .

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Badrinath VIP Darshan Ticket Prices 2026

VIP Darshan at Badrinath is not a separate ticket but is offered through special puja services. The most popular option is the Mahabhishek Puja, which provides priority entry and a closer darshan experience.

Attending Puja Services (Pilgrim Present)

Non-Attending Puja Services (Remote Booking)

Important Notes:

• All attending pujas include special darshan inside the temple
• Tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable
• Book only when your travel dates are confirmed
• Arrive at the temple gate 15-30 minutes before your allotted slot
• Late arrivals are not permitted entry

Step-by-Step Online Booking Process

Yatra Registration (Mandatory)

Before booking any puja, all pilgrims must complete the mandatory Char Dham Yatra registration:

Step 1: Visit the official portal: https://registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in

Step 2: Register using your mobile number (OTP verification)

Step 3: Fill in personal details:

• Full name (as per ID proof)
• Age and gender
• Complete address
• Valid government ID number (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID)

Step 4: Select travel dates and upload recent photograph

Step 5: Download the Yatra Registration letter with QR code

Puja / VIP Darshan Booking

Step 1: Visit the official BKTC portal: https://badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in

Step 2: Log in with your registered mobile number

Step 3: Click “Book Puja” and select “Badrinath Dham”

Step 4: Accept the Terms & Conditions

Step 5: Choose your preferred puja type from the list:

• Maha Abhishek Puja (₹4,700) – Most popular for VIP darshan
• Abhishek Puja (₹4,101)
• Aarti services (₹151 – ₹501)
• Special occasion pujas

Step 6: Select your preferred date and time slot

Step 7: Enter pilgrim details:

• Name(s) of participants
• Gotra (if known)
• Contact information

Step 8: Upload a valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card, or Driving Licence)

Step 9: Complete payment via UPI, Net Banking, or Debit/Credit Card

Step 10: Download and save your e-ticket/receipt with QR code

Offline Booking at the Temple

For devotees who prefer in-person booking:

Step 1: Visit the official VIP darshan counter located within the Badrinath Temple complex

Step 2: Check slot availability for your desired puja

Step 3: Submit valid government photo ID and Char Dham registration proof

Step 4: Pay applicable charges (cash recommended; card/UPI may not work reliably)

Step 5: Collect confirmation slip

Step 6: Report at the temple gate as per allotted time

Important: During peak season (May-June and September-October), same-day slots are limited or unavailable. Early arrival is strongly recommended .

Badrinath VIP Darshan vs Regular Darshan

Who Should Choose VIP Darshan:

• Pilgrims with health concerns or physical challenges
• Those with limited time on the Char Dham circuit
• Devotees wanting to avoid 2-5 hour queues during peak May-June season
• Families with elderly members or young children

When VIP May Not Be Necessary:

• During September-October off-peak season, general darshan is more manageable
• For those seeking a simple, budget-friendly pilgrimage

How to Reach Badrinath Temple

By Air

• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun – 301 km
• From the airport, taxis and buses are available (9-10 hours drive)

By Train

By Road

Regular bus and taxi services operate from major cities:

• Haridwar to Badrinath: 320 km (10-12 hours)
• Rishikesh to Badrinath: 285 km (8.30-10.30 hours)
• Joshimath to Badrinath: 45 km (1.5 hours)

Route Map:
Haridwar → Rishikesh → Devprayag → Srinagar → Rudraprayag → Karnaprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath

Note: Unlike Kedarnath, no trekking is required to reach Badrinath Temple. The temple is accessible by road directly .

Accommodation Options Near Badrinath Temple

Popular Hotel Names:

• GMVN Tourist Rest House (government-run, close to temple area)
• Hotel Narayan Palace
• Sarovar Portico
• Hotel Snow Crest

Booking Tips:

• Book accommodation as soon as the opening date is announced – demand spikes immediately
• During mid-season, avoid weekends and school holidays for better availability
• The closing fortnight sees another surge in demand

Best Time to Visit Badrinath Temple

For Different Purposes:

• Peaceful Darshan: September – October
• Festival Experience: Opening ceremony (April 23)
• Best Weather: May – June
• Avoid: July – August (monsoon, landslide risk)

Important Visitor Guidelines

Dress Code

• Men: Dhoti-kurta, kurta-pajama, or modest formal attire
• Women: Saree, salwar kameez, or traditional modest clothing
• Avoid: Shorts, sleeveless tops, revealing clothing

Prohibited Items

• Mobile phones and cameras inside the sanctum
• Large bags and luggage
• Leather items
• Non-vegetarian food and alcohol

Health and Safety Tips

• Badrinath is at 3,300 m altitude – walk slowly and stay hydrated
• Senior citizens should consult a doctor before travel
• Carry warm clothing even in summer; nights can be cold
• Keep a buffer day for weather or traffic delays
• Check road conditions before departure, especially during monsoon

Temple Etiquette

• Remove footwear before entering temple premises
• Maintain silence and decorum inside
• Follow queue instructions from temple staff
• Respect the sanctity of the rituals

Emergency Contacts

• State Emergency Operation Center: 0135-2710334 / 1070 (Toll Free)
• BKTC Helpline: +91-7534003700

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: When does Badrinath Temple open in 2026?

A: Badrinath Temple will open on April 23, 2026 at 6:15 AM .

Q2: What are the Badrinath Temple darshan timings for 2026?

A: Morning darshan: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM; Evening darshan: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Special puja access: 4:30 AM – 6:30 AM .

Q3: Is there an entry fee for Badrinath Temple?

A: No, general darshan is completely free. VIP darshan through puja services costs ₹4,700 onwards .

Q4: What is the price of Badrinath VIP Darshan ticket?

A: The most popular VIP option is Maha Abhishek Puja at ₹4,700 per person. Abhishek Puja is ₹4,101. Evening aartis range from ₹151 to ₹501 .

Q5: How can I book Badrinath VIP Darshan online?

A: Visit the official BKTC portal (badrinath-kedarnath.gov.in), register with your mobile number, select your puja, upload ID proof, and complete payment. Yatra registration is mandatory first .

Q6: Is Badrinath Yatra registration mandatory?

A: Yes, all pilgrims must complete online registration at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in before starting the yatra .

Q7: Can I cancel my VIP Darshan booking?

A: No, all puja bookings are non-refundable and non-transferable. Book only when your travel dates are confirmed .

Q8: What documents are required for VIP darshan booking?

A: Valid government photo ID (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Passport, PAN Card) and Char Dham registration proof .

Q9: What is the best time to visit Badrinath?

A: May-June for best weather (peak crowds); September-October for peaceful darshan with clear skies .

Q10: Is there a trek to Badrinath Temple?

A: No, the temple is accessible directly by road. Unlike Kedarnath, no trekking is required .

Q11: What is the nearest airport to Badrinath?

A: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun – 301 km from Badrinath .

Q12: Is Badrinath Yatra safe for senior citizens?

A: Yes, as no trekking is required. However, senior citizens should consult a doctor before travel due to the high altitude .

Temple Contact Information